U.S. Coast Guard crews stand ready to provide post-tsunami support to Hawaii

Feb 27th, 2010 · Comments Off on U.S. Coast Guard crews stand ready to provide post-tsunami support to Hawaii

HONOLULU — U.S. Coast Guard rescue crews are making preparations throughout the Main Hawaiian Islands to provide post-tsunami support following the devastating earthquake in Chile Saturday.

The maritime community is reminded to listen and heed the warnings and advisories from civilian authorities.

Coast Guard cutter and aircraft crews are positioning themselves to be ready to conduct response and survey missions as soon as it is safe to do so.

Capt. Barry Compagnoni, the Captain of the Port, Honolulu, has closed all commercial ports in the Main Hawaiian Islands to incoming traffic; all seaworthy vessels are encouraged to evacuate if possible. All recreational boaters are asked to take immediate safety precautions and avoid the water.

The Coast Guard is focusing on maintaining the safety and security of the region’s ports and waterways and is preparing for any calls for assistance.

Coast Guard teams here are also providing for the safety of their crewmembers and families and are working closely with local, state and federal partners to ensure the safety of Hawaii’s citizens and to provide for the safety and security of Hawaii’s ports and waterways.

An Incident Command Post has been established, and Coast Guard response teams are working closely with its partners in the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Hawaii State Department of Transportation, Hawaii State Civil Defense and the Department of Defense.